MotoGP rookie Marquez shocked to be leading the championship

The 20-year-old scored the second victory of his rookie campaign in a German Grand Prix at which chief rivals Dani Pedrosa and Jorge Lorenzo were missing with injury.

He also extended his record of having finished on the podium in every race bar Mugello, where he crashed out while running second late on.

Despite such a record, Marquez said he had not anticipated his return to the top of the standings.

"I didn't expect after eight races to lead the championship," he said following his Sachsenring win.

"It's quite important for my first season, but we need to try and keep the same mentality, race by race, as we have now.

"Like Valentino [Rossi] always says the season is quite long, so we need to be quiet and try to do our best every race."

Asked whether winning a premier class crown at his first attempt was possible, Marquez said the fact the top five riders are currently covered by 37 points suggests the 2013 title race will be an incredibly close affair.

"I say to Valentino that we have five riders within 37 points," Marquez said, "and that will be interesting, a nice championship for sure.

"I think for the show that is better.

"Also for me, more riders in front is better because I can learn a little bit more.

"[In the German Grand Prix] OK I get a lot of experience, but I enjoy more the races, like Jerez, where I follow some riders and I need to push all race."